Espanyol vs Osasuna preview - Punal's rallying cry

Posted Sunday, May 11, 2014 by PA

Osasuna captain Patxi Punal has called on his team to "use their heads and their hearts" to beat Espanyol on Sunday and keep their hopes of survival alive.

Last week's defeat at home to Celta Vigo saw the Navarrans slide into the relegation zone, and the trip to Barcelona is the penultimate chance they have to avoid a return to the Segunda Division for the first time in 14 years.

The Navarrans could even be relegated this weekend if they lose and their fellow strugglers Getafe, Valladolid and Almeria all win their matches.

"Sunday's game is a game that defines careers, the life of a club and the hopes of the fans," Punal said in a press conference.

"We have to focus on working hard, on our needs, and remember everything we are playing for.

"We have to do everything right, on a technical level, play with all of our heads and all of our hearts. We have to play a complete game, and, as much as we can, we need to stay calm."

They are up against an Espanyol side that, although 12th in the Primera Division table, are still not mathematically safe, having gone six games without a win.

Goalkeeper Kiko Casilla admitted he would be relieved if his team beat Osasuna to seal survival - but made it clear it would not compensate for a disappointing season.

"I won't celebrate it, but I will take a deep breath," he told reporters.

"I don't think we can say we have had a terrible season, but it has definitely not been a good one."

Espanyol coach Javier Aguirre faces a scenario where he could relegate his former club, who he lead to the UEFA Cup during a four-year tenure at El Sadar.

But the Mexican insisted he would not let any old loyalties enter his head when it came to the match.

A draw would be enough to secure survival, but the coach told a press conference he was only concerned with taking all the points.

We won't be going for a draw, we want to win," he said.

"We need the three points desperately. There is no tomorrow for Osasuna and we cannot speculate during the game.

"They will come for us and fight for every ball like it was the last. Our last few games haven't pleased anyone and we are obliged to win and make our fans happy."

Espanyol will be without suspended forward Pizzi, while Osasuna are waiting to see whether Alvaro Cejudo will recover from a hamstring strain in time.